Criticism Over India’s Champions Trophy Team Selection
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over India’s recently announced squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, suggesting that critical omissions and selections may impact the team’s balance.
Speaking after the squad’s announcement, Pathan questioned the pace attack. “One more fast bowler could have been added, especially given the existing injury concerns,” he remarked. The 15-member team includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh as the designated pacers, with Bumrah’s inclusion subject to his recovery from back spasms. Pathan’s comments highlight the risks associated with relying on bowlers recovering from injuries.
Pathan also addressed the omission of Mohammed Siraj, India’s leading pacer in recent times. “Siraj missing out is likely due to workload management,” he noted, but he emphasised the need for depth in the fast-bowling department given the high stakes of the tournament.
On the batting front, Pathan praised Shubman Gill, who has been named vice-captain. “Shubman Gill is on the right path for leadership—he’s had a phenomenal year in ODI cricket,” he said. Gill, who averages an impressive 58.20 in the format, will be a key figure at the top of the order. However, he faces competition from debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose inclusion brings a left-handed option to India’s right-heavy batting line-up.
Pathan expressed sympathy for Sanju Samson, who was overlooked in favour of wicketkeeper-batsmen KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. “If I were Sanju Samson, I’d be gutted,” he said. Samson, a fan favourite, has repeatedly found himself on the fringes of India’s white-ball teams despite consistent domestic performances. Pathan also suggested that Nitish Kumar Reddy could have been considered, hinting at the selectors’ missed opportunities in exploring emerging talents.
India’s squad appears well-rounded in the all-rounder and spin departments, with the return of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja bolstering versatility. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, who featured in India’s recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, retain their spots. Kuldeep Yadav also makes a comeback after a hernia surgery, adding depth to the spin attack.
India, placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, begin their campaign against Bangladesh on 20 February in Dubai. Before the marquee event, they will play a three-match ODI series against England, where Harshit Rana will replace Bumrah to manage the latter’s recovery process.
India squad for the Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant(wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal
